CORNING &GT;&GT; The two factions of the Paskenta Band of the Nomlaki Indians that have been at odds since an April split have negotiated an agreement to maintain the status quo in regards to the operation of Rolling Hills Casino, which the band owns, until a scheduled election in September.

Four members of the federally recognized Tribal Council and about 70 other tribal members were ousted during tribal meetings in April and May and have made multiple attempts to take charge of the casino, which remains open under existing management and the faction led by Tribal Council Chairman Andrew Freeman.

A tribal election is scheduled for Sept. 13 and both sides have agreed to abide by the results of that election, according to a press release issued Tuesday morning by the casino.

All tribal members enrolled after Jan. 1, 1999 will enjoy voting rights and full tribal benefits.

The agreement calls for continued operation of the casino and other tribal properties under existing management.

Freeman's faction has leveled several allegations of mishandling of tribal assets against those aligned with the ousted council members. The agreement calls for a third party CPA or forensic auditor to investigate the alleged improprieties, the release said.

A mutually agreed upon third party will oversee the Sept. 13 election and no disenrollment of members will take place prior to the election, the agreement stipulates.

The ousted members sent a hired, armed "Tribal Police" force to the casino early on the morning of June 9, leading to a week-long standoff with armed casino security officers. The four ousted council members attempted to enter the casino the evening of June 11, but were turned away by tribal members during a tense scene that nearly turned violent.